Taking Indian folk music to global audience

Artistes collaboration

He has played in over 25 countries including the United States, the UK, Korea, Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and India. His performance for the Queen of England at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Windsor helped him hit the top spot on iTunes World Music Charts for seven times. He enthralled people with his music played at world’s largest music festivals like Glastonbury, held at myriad venues across the globe.

But none of these made Raghu Dixit happier than playing in his hometown
Bengaluru. “I’ve performed in so many places. But the satisfaction and joy I experience here is incomparable. The love and warmth that this city offers is very close to my heart. I enjoy performing in Pune and Delhi too, but Bengaluru is always at the forefront,” Dixit tells Metrolife.

The 41-year-old will soon be travelling to Madrid to perform at the IIFA Stomp which will be held as part of 17th annual International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) celebrations, later this month. The event, organised by the MULA community and IFEMA in collaboration of MULAFEST Urban Trends Festival, will bring together the best of Spanish and Indian culture. Other independent musicians and bands like B.R.E.E.D, Nucleya, Karsh Kale and Midival Punditz will also be performing at IIFA Stomp.

“The event will promote independent music made in India. People outside India think that there are just three genres of music made here — classical, Bollywood and folk (which is only bhangra for them). But many independent artistes are working on diverse genres.”
“Papon (Mohanta) is doing great Assamese folk, the band Masala Coffee is taking South Indian folk music to another level and Naga folk band Purple Fusion are proudly presenting their culture. But all these remain unheard by people. I hope through this collaboration, other genres of Indian music will also come in limelight,” Dixit says.
 
Dixit will include several upcoming and diverse musicians from the Indian music scene including Gaurav Vaz, Joman Jacob, Achyuth Jaigopal and Narayan Sharma.

The former scientist and Bharatanatyam dancer is busy making music for a Tamil movie.

When asked about any Bollywood project, he replies, “Not anytime soon. But we will certainly take up if something interesting comes on the way. However, we will be definitely going to release one album this year.”